Venice, Florida
Jimmy Hendricks, 74, formerly of North Vernon, died Wednesday, May 18, 2016, in Venice, Florida, from complications following hip surgery.
He was born on April 25, 1942, to the best parents a child could hope for. He had an ideal childhood spent in the county park, exploring Hinchman’s cave, camping on the Muscatatuck River bank and terrorizing his younger sisters. He graduated from North Vernon High School in 1960, surprising his government teacher, Arlie Whitaker. Family and friends remember Jim’s unique since of humor and his inability to conform. The Bellamy Brothers’ hit song “Old Hippie” describes his life pretty accurately.
He was a member of the North Vernon Chapter of Demolay for boys and the Boy Scouts.
Jim married his high school sweetheart in 1960 and they had two children. With a natural talent for mechanics, he worked with his grandfather, Frank, and his uncle, Howard, at Hendricks Garage. He moved to Colorado and became a Certified GM Mechanic. He was considered by many to be the best in his field and loved his work. He also excelled at downhill skiing and enjoyed tennis and building and flying model airplanes.
When he grew tired of ice and snow dripping from cars overhead he moved to Florida where he retired.
Survivors include his longtime companion, Mary Ann Patalino of Venice, Florida; his children, Brad (Mary) Hendricks and Linda Hodges, and one grandchild, Kaylee Hodges, all of North Vernon; sisters, Jo (Thornton) Vance of North Vernon and Polly Hendricks of Borden; two aunts, Ruth Hendricks of North Vernon and Ruthie Potter of Madison; one uncle, Royce (Analice) Stiening; and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Myrtle Hendricks.
Arrangements for a memorial service at Vernon Cemetery are being made through Sawyer-Pickett Funeral and Cremation Service and will be announced at a later date.
No memorials are necessary as the family knows and greatly appreciates all thoughts, prayers and kind words from friends and family.
Friends are invited to light a candle or leave a message of condolence in Mr. Hendricks’ memory at www.sawyerfuneralservice.com.
